Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 13.djvu/378

 Battle of Chickamauga. 377

of this line. This was done, Clayton forming on the left of McNair, whose brigade constituted part of an impromptu division, commanded by Brigadier-General B. R. Johnson, Brown and Bate in rear. Preston's division was then formed on my left, also in three lines, all fronting nearly or quite to the west. While in this position the Eufala Battery (three- inch rifled guns) was sent forward by General Buckner's orders, as I was informed, and opened fire on the enemy's position in front. The enemy replied with shell and round shot, wounding a few of our men. A subsequent change, made also by order of General Buckner, moved us a space equal to brigade front directly to the right. Soon after making this change of position, and, as I supposed, near noon, Major Pollock B. Lee brought me an order from the commanding General to move to the point where firing had commenced, which seemed to be a considerable distance to the right and somewhat to the rear of us. Before moving, I went to General Bragg himself, who was near by, in order to get more specific directions. He informed me that Walker was engaged on the right, was much cut up, and the enemy threatening to turn his flank; that General Polk was in command on that wing, and that I must be governed by circumstances. Moving by the right flank in the direction indicated, from half a mile to a mile, we arrived near a cornfield, beyond which the heaviest firing was heard. Messengers were sent in search of General Polk, but without success, and fear- ing to lose too much time, I determined to move upon the enemy across the cornfield. Lieutenant W. B. Richmond, aid to General Polk, confirmed me in this design. He came up in search of the General himself, and told me that from what he knew of the nature of the ground and situation of the enemy, a better point at which to attack them could not be found. Accordingly, Brigadier-General Clayton was directed to advance, and it is but just to this excellent officer and his fine brigade to say that they moved forward to this their first engagement with great spirit and alacrity, and in admirable order. Major Hatcher, of my staff, was sent with them to bring me intelligence, and I followed myself until overtaken by an aid of Brigadier-General Wright, of Cheatham's division, who informed me that Wright's brigade had been turned by the enemy on its left, its battery captured and the General needed aid. Passing a short distance towards the left, and meeting General Wright he informed me that his brigade had fallen back, leaving his battery in the hands of the enemy. This, at least, was the substance of what he said. according to my recollection. Brigadier-General Brown was imme-